You've heard the term "sanctuary city" about communities that have become safe havens for undocumented immigrants. Spokane Valley could become a sanctuary city of a different kind, one committed to protecting the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Councilman Caleb Collier said the proposal is meant to send a message that Spokane Valley protects residents' constitutional Second Amendment rights.

City councilman Ed Pace tells KXLY4 News that the resolution would be symbolic stand for constitutional rights.

“It would be partly symbolic, partly a lobbying tool,” said Pace,”it would be a message to the rest of the nation really that we are a city that values the constitutional rights of our citizens and we protect them.”

Collier says his proposal is in response to Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson's recent announcement to seek legislation that would ban the sale of semi-automatic weapons and high capacity magazines.

Collier says what Ferguson is proposing is illegal, and he wants to protect the constitutional rights of the Spokane Valley.

“I don't believe any type of arms should be banned,” said Pace. “I take the constitution literally in that regard. We have the right, if you want to walk around with an AR-15 and a full magazine on your shoulder, that's your right to do that.”

We asked the people who live in Spokane Valley what they think about both the proposed weapons ban.

“I don't agree with what they want to do in Olympia,” said Valley resident Paul Seemann.

We also asked for opinions on the Spokane Valley City Council's reaction.

“It is not necessary and that's my thought,” said Valley resident Janis.

“I sure don't want no people carrying guns around me, that's what I know, so if they're advocating any of that, forget it,” said Valley resident Jerry Vanbelle.

Councilman Pace says if this proposal becomes law, it will send a strong message.

“I believe we're starting a trend,” said Pace. “We've been labeled by one of our state representatives as the capital of free Washington, and many of us on the council have embraced that, so I believe we will be leaders in that regard.”

Pace said that right now the proposal is just an agenda item, meaning it's in the very beginning phases of the process to become a resolution. But, Pace says his gut feeling is that it will eventually pass.